GARDENERS in Mole Valley have been given something extra to think about when planting for next year – the ‘London 2012 Look’.

Homeowners and businesses around the Olympic cycle road race route are being advised how to ensure the plants in their front gardens match the colours of the games.

Riders will come along the A25 through Westcott, through Dorking High Street, up Box Hill and into Leatherhead.

These areas, particularly Box Hill, which will be circled nine times in the men’s race, will welcome many of the one million spectators expected in Surrey on July 28 and 29. Millions more will watch on television around the world.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has sent out emails in which it insists the advice is not ‘prescriptive’, but reactions have been a mixed bunch.

The emails have been sent to residents’ associations to tell them the ‘London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games [LOCOG] has tight control over how the games will look’. This includes use of the Olympic logo and advertising around cycle race roads. The council has received guidelines from LOCOG on route-dressing in its London 2012 Look Book.

It tells gardeners: “The look of the games can extend further than the Olympic Park and city-wide street dressing. The UK is world-renowned for its gardens and green landscapes and we can utilise these to bolster the spirit of the games.

“Whether by using existing hanging baskets and flower beds or creating something entirely new, creative planting using the vibrant colour palette and the London 2012 shapes and patterns, might be a project you want to consider.”

Colour combinations at the heart of this ‘look’ are green, blue, purple and orange along with the pink and yellow of the London 2012 logo. Each should supposedly be used equally.

The species name, colour and shape of recommended plants are listed by LOCOG.

Alexandra Florides runs Rose’s Stores in Mickleham, which cyclists will pass multiple times, and plans to put up hanging baskets in the Olympic colours.

She said: “It’s a positive thing and will help to make it look really nice. I’m sure the public will like to see it.”

Not everyone feels the same. Mickleham Parish Council chairman Richard Roberts-Miller said: “Some people might wonder whether this should be high-up the council’s agenda.”

Mickleham and Westhumble Horticultural Society chairman Judy Kinloch said: “I was not totally happy about telling people what colours they had to use.”

Darren Mepham, MVDC chief executive, said LOCOG asked the council to forward on the advice and added: “Next year’s races will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to promote our district, connect with our communities and support the local economy.

“Our aim is to support groups such as parish councils and resident associations who would like information about the games while respecting the views of those looking to either mark the occasion in their own way or not planning to celebrate the games.”